Table of Contents
About the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026 at the University of Cambridge offers an extraordinary platform for emerging scholars in History to elevate their academic careers. Backed by the Leverhulme Trust and the Isaac Newton Trust, this competitive fellowship provides early-career researchers with the support and environment needed to produce groundbreaking work while integrating into one of the world’s most distinguished academic institutions.
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship is a highly competitive, three-year postdoctoral opportunity tailored to outstanding early-career researchers in the field of History. Administered through the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge, the fellowship is designed to help promising scholars develop independent research agendas and gain the academic experience necessary for permanent positions in academia.
This fellowship is co-funded by the Isaac Newton Trust and the Leverhulme Trust. Selected fellows benefit from intellectual mentorship, departmental support, and a vibrant academic community that fosters innovation and excellence.
Eligible Fields
Applicants must propose projects that fall within any area of the History discipline, including but not limited to:
- Political history
- Social and economic history
- Cultural and religious history
- Intellectual history
- Global and transnational histories
Interdisciplinary approaches that involve historical perspectives are also encouraged, as long as the primary academic home for the proposal remains within the History Faculty.
💬 Get Paid in Dollars Just by Chatting With Lonely People
Imagine earning daily dollar income from anywhere in the world — no degree, no experience, no interviews — just your phone or laptop.
People are getting paid simply to chat, listen, and keep others company online. This short ebook reveals:
- ✔ Legit platforms that pay in USD
- ✔ How Africans can register & withdraw successfully
- ✔ What to say to keep conversations paid
- ✔ How beginners start with zero experience
Instant download • Works worldwide • Beginner-friendly
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- PhD Submission Window: Applicants must have submitted their PhD thesis between February 19, 2022 and February 19, 2026.
- Academic Employment: Applicants must not have held a full-time permanent academic position in a UK university, including stipendiary Junior Research Fellowships.
- UK Academic Connection: Applicants must either:
- Hold a degree from a UK higher education institution, or
- Have held a UK-based academic post for at least four months by October 20, 2024.
These eligibility requirements ensure that the fellowship supports researchers at a transitional phase in their academic careers.
Selection Criteria
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship follows a two-stage competitive selection process:
Stage One – Faculty of History Shortlisting:
Applicants must first secure support from a faculty host at Cambridge. The Faculty of History will assess internal applications to award match funding from the Isaac Newton Trust. Key evaluation criteria include:
- Originality and feasibility of the research project
- Quality and relevance of prior academic work
- Potential for long-term academic contribution
Stage Two – National Competition:
Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal to the Leverhulme Trust in February 2026. Final selections are made nationally.
Eligible Countries
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities, provided they meet the UK academic connection requirement through prior study or employment in the UK.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents by the internal deadline:
- A completed Faculty of History cover sheet
- A single PDF or Word document containing:
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- List of publications (1 page)
- Current research summary (250 words)
- Detailed research proposal (maximum 2 pages)
- Two reference letters, including:
- At least one reference from an academic outside the University of Cambridge
- Referees must send their letters directly to the Faculty
All documents must be submitted via email to researchgrants@hist.cam.ac.uk by the internal deadline.
Benefits of the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive support package that includes:
- Salary Coverage: 50% of the fellow’s salary funded by the Leverhulme Trust and Isaac Newton Trust for three years. The Faculty of History covers the remaining balance.
- Mentorship: Access to a dedicated academic mentor and full integration into departmental activities.
- Career Development: Enhanced academic visibility and a strong platform for pursuing future permanent academic roles.
This fellowship is more than just financial support; it is a strategic launchpad for a thriving academic career.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should begin by securing an academic host within the Faculty of History at Cambridge. If unsure, they may contact Prof. David Maxwell at djm223@cam.ac.uk for guidance.
Application Deadline:
- Internal deadline for Isaac Newton Trust match funding: October 13, 2025 (12:00 PM UK time)
All materials must be submitted by email to researchgrants@hist.cam.ac.uk by the stated deadline.
Reference Letters:
- Ensure your referees send their recommendations directly by the same deadline.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Chevening Scholarships 2026–27: Apply Now for this Prestigious UK Award!
UNHCR Global Internship Programme 2025: Fully Funded Humanitarian Internship—Apply Now!
🔥 Want to Make Money Online the Right Way?
Discover how smart people are quietly earning with AI, Email Marketing, CPA, LinkedIn, Online Teaching & Content Creation.
This is not theory — it’s a step-by-step system.
👉 Get the Ebook Now